Falling for the Enemy

Ch.12

EROS

"The sea food needs to be at least six feet away from the bar," I instruct the catering manager, gesturing to the far end of my expansive backyard deck."And make sure the sculptures don't get direct sunlight,"

The manager nod, making notes on her pear-pad."Of course, Mr. Valenti," She hurries off to direct her team.

I check my watch, noting we have just fifteen minutes until guest arrive.I scan the transformation taking place around me.

My home sits on a prime slice of waterfront property with clear view of Lake Volta( a lookalike of lake Washington), and the sprawling backyard, normally a serene retreat is now a hive of activity as event staff prepare for Asante Wedding chaos solved celebration.

White linen - covered tables dot the manicured lawn.A small stage has been set for a high-life band.Bartenders stock three separate bars with top shelf liquor, local craft beers, and an impressive wine selection.

It's going to be perfect.

"This seems excessive for a casual corporate event," Colton remarks, appearing at my side with a glass of Don Simon in hand." The Valenti corporation team is what, thirty people total?"

"It's not just for them," I reply, accepting the drink gratefully."I've invited key distributors, retail partners and It's a networking opportunity,"

Colton raises an eyebrow."Right. It's for all of them....not for-"

I shoot him a warning glance, already knowing whose name he was going to say."This is about establishing goodwill for the company.If my employees feel valued, accomplishments will be smoother,"

"Uh-huh," He takes a casual sip of his drink"Thats why you personally approved every detail down to the shade of the napkins,"

"The napkins are branded with E & A logo," I counter, though I feel heat rising to my face." It's just a change in detail."

"Whatever you say, boss," He grins.

I wave him off, annoyed at how transparent I apparently am.Yes, I want to impress Althea.So what? She's my clever assistant and having her makes running Valenti corporation easier.

That's all this is, at least that's what I keep telling myself. The truth is, I haven't stopped thinking about Althea since the presidential suite in Kumasi or our late night at the office last week.

The way I she was tongue tied after I dismissed Eva's comment about her having feelings for me. I'd meant to make her feel more comfortable , to take the pressure off, but something in her reaction made me wonder if I'd misread the situation entirely.

Not that it matters.Althea made it clear twelve years ago that she doesn't see me more than a business partner.The rejection stung enough the first time; I'm not eager for a repeat performance.

Tearing myself away from my hounding thoughts, I find the first guest are arriving.Its Valenti Corporation employees, arriving together in Small groups.I greet everyone by name.

As more guests filter in, the party begins to take on a life of it's own. The high-life band play softly in the background, conversation and laughter fills the air, and the gold sunset casts everything in a warm glow. Exactly the atmosphere I'd hoped for.

And then I see her.

Althea arrives alone, pausing at the entrance. She's wearing a casual dress that falls just below her knees, her hair swept into an elegant updo. Simple gold earrings catch the light when she turns her hear, surveying the party.

She looks beautiful and completely out of place among everyone else on Earth.

An angel among mortals. I make my way toward her, weaving through clusters of guests.

“You made it," I say as I reach her, trying to sound casually pleased rather than desperately relieved.

I was nervous that she might decide to skip the event. "I said I would." Her expression is guarded but not hostile. Progress, perhaps.

"Can I get you a drink?" I offer, nodding toward the nearest bar.

"Sure. Smirnoff, please.” The bartender is quick with our drinks, and I see Althea smirk when I order the same drink as her.

She probably thinks it’s another attempt at ingratiation. Well… she’d be right.

“Quite the party," she remarks, taking a small sip. "Your house is beautiful."

“Thank you. I don't entertain often, so it's nice to put the space to use."

She takes in the lakefront view, the carefully landscaped gardens.

“It must get lonely, all this space for one person."

The observation catches me off guard. "I suppose it can be. I'm not home much, to be honest."

“Too busy with work?"

There's no bite to her words, just quiet curiosity.

“It’s… kind of all I know.” I stuff my free hand into a pants’ pocket. “When you spend years having to focus on your career, not having time for anything else… it can be hard to shift gears later on.”

Her gaze lingers on me, and she finally nods. “I understand completely.”

For a moment, I think we might have a real conversation — about the past, about the choices we've made, about the lives we've built separately.

But then Eva appears, her arm linked with a tall man I don’t recognize. "Althea! Eros! This is Collins."

The moment breaks, and we're pulled back into the usual party small talk. I watch Althea slip into professional mode, explaining Valenti Corporations's accomplishments to Eva’s date with practiced ease.

She's good with people, always has been. It was one of the things that made us such effective partners back in college. I handled the numbers and strategy; she handled the human element.

As the afternoon slowly turns into evening, I circulate among the guests, making sure everyone has what they need. But I can't help tracking Althea’s movements from the corner of my eye, taking note of every step she takes, every person she speaks to.

What I don’t expect is for her to step onto the stage while the band is taking a break, to adjust the microphone to her height, and command the attention of everyone on the property. "If I could have everyone's attention for a moment," she calls, her voice carrying across the yard.

The chatter dies down as guests turn toward her. I move closer, a moth to a flame.

“I want to take a moment to thank our host," Althea continues, raising her glass slightly in my direction.

“Many of you know that I wasn't initially thrilled about this celebration." A ripple of knowing laughter passes through the Valenti Corporation’s employees.

“But in the past week, I've been reminded that change isn't always a bad thing." Her eyes find mine in the crowd.

“Eros has promised to honor the vision and values that make Valenti Corporation special,So, here's to new beginnings and successful partnerships."

Murmurs of agreement and the clinking of glasses follow her toast. I'm frozen in place, stunned by this unexpected olive branch.

When our eyes meet across the crowded yard, she gives me a small, genuine smile — the first since I walked back into her life.

The tension between myself and Althea has transformed from hostile to something else entirely — something complicated and dangerous… and thrilling.

I want to talk to her about what she said, tell her how much it moved me, but we’re surrounded by people, and my throat is thick with emotion.

Did she really mean all of that, or is she only trying to butter me up? I’m well aware that I shouldn’t care, that reading into things won’t get me anywhere.

Still, it’s a nice, comfy fantasy, thinking that she might actually like me now.

The sun has set completely. String lights twinkle overhead, creating a canopy of stars. The high life band has shifted to more upbeat numbers, and several couples have begun dancing on the small area cleared for that purpose.

Eva drags her date toward the dance floor, and Althea and I are left alone, standing close enough that I can feel the warmth radiating from her skin.

“Thank you for the toast earlier," I say, turning to face her. "It was unexpected."

She shrugs, the movement elegant and delicate. "It was sincere. You've been… different than I expected."

“Different good or different bad?"

“I'm still deciding." The corners of her mouth lift in a small smile. "But I'm leaning toward good."

It's not forgiveness, not even close. But it's a start — more than I dared hope for when I sent out the party invitations. As we stand together under the string lights, watching our employees celebrate, I allow myself to imagine, just for a moment, a world where Althea and I find our way back to being partners in the truest sense of the word.

It's a dangerous thought, one that I would caution any friend against entertaining. But as Althea gives me another smile, and we stand side by side, swaying to the music, I can't bring myself to care about what's smart or sensible.

Not one bit.